Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue vandalised in Jalandhar (Punjab)

Jalandhar (Punjab) – The vandalism of a statue of Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar in Nangal village, Phillaur, has triggered sharp reactions from across social and political circles. People’s groups, Dalit organisations and political leaders have unanimously condemned the act and demanded stringent action against those responsible.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, saw the glass around the statue vandalised, with Khalistan slogans written or taped across it. The secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) claimed responsibility for the act. This incident follows a similar one two months ago in Amritsar, where a statue of Dr Ambedkar was also desecrated. Political leaders across the spectrum have termed the act as a conspiracy to disturb the peace and harmony in the state. BJP leader Vijay Sampla called for strict action against those responsible, stressing their actions were aimed at sowing discord between Hindus, Sikhs and Dalits.

Terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is the head of the banned Khalistani terrorist organization ‘Sikhs for Justice’, has released a video of the incident. ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ and ‘Sikhs are not Hindus’ are written on this statue. The Khalistan flag was also hoisted here.

Pannu has also announced the removal of statues of Dr. Ambedkar across the state on 14^thApril. Earlier in January, a statue of Dr. Ambedkar was vandalized in Amritsar. However, it was revealed that the person who did this act was a Dalit.